** Haut-Katanga: Debates on security and governance are intensifying **
On March 20, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani, met the deputies of the Haut-Katanga Caucus in Kinshasa. This meeting, although anchored in a situation of security emergency, opens the way to a deeper reflection on the mechanisms of governance and political representation in this province.
### A crucial meeting
During this session, elected officials expressed legitimate concerns about growing insecurity and tensions between political supporters, manifest elements of deeper social discomfort. MP Serge Nkonde, as vice-president of the Caucus, stressed the importance of a concerted action to restore peace. Interestingly, this approach illustrates not only an awareness of elected officials on their responsibilities, but also an attempt to articulate solutions which will exceed the simple repressive measures.
### Insecurity, symptomatic of a wider problem
Beyond the alarming figures linked to urban crime and customary conflicts, the words of the deputies reveal the need for a rigorous analysis of the causes underlying these disorders. Indeed, Haut-Katanga, rich in natural resources, suffers from a paradox: its economic prosperity does not result in social advances or security for its inhabitants. Disconnection persists between the standard of living of citizens and the management of resources by the authorities.
To illustrate this dichotomy, we can look at the statutes of territories development. For example, the city of Lubumbashi, as an economic heart, faces challenges of underemployment and social exclusion. A recent study has shown that 30% of the urban population lives below the poverty line, which only fueling frustrations and, therefore, social disorders.
### Governance and political representation
At the end of this meeting, Jacquemain Shabani promised to consider a field mission to promote dialogue, an amalgam of security and governance initiatives. However, the procedure for the appointment of territorial agents and the mayor mentioned by the deputies raises the question of a deep renewal of political practices. The arbitrary arrests of opinion leaders, often cited, reveal a reluctance of the system in the face of dissident voices, where democracy could have been reinforced by an effective listening and inclusion.
In terms of security, the police under-effective is another revealing element. The reports indicate that about 50% of the rural areas of Haut-Katanga lack regular police presence. This deficit highlights the need to strengthen not only the security forces, but also the confidence between the population and the institutions. Proximity strategies, integrating community actors, could prove to be essential.
### Inclusive security strategy
The proposal for a recovery of security, as planned by Jacquemain Shabani, should be more oriented towards a human security approach. This would involve not only encompassing order, but also social, economic and educational initiatives aimed at bringing a lasting change.
At the same time, it would be beneficial to explore models of participatory governance. By drawing inspiration from practices from other countries, such as Canada or Germany, which have been able to integrate their diaspora and local communities in decision-making processes, Haut-Katanga could benefit from a dynamic where each citizen would feel involved and protected.
### Conclusion
The situation in Haut-Katanga cannot be summed up for the sole question of insecurity. It calls for a reassessment of political practices, an overhaul of governance and especially to the inclusion of all votes in the decision -making process. By initiating a sincere and inclusive dialogue, the authorities offer a real chance of reconnecting the social bond and bringing the tranquility so much hoped for by the inhabitants. If this meeting is a step towards the recognition of these challenges, it remains to be seen whether the measures undertaken by the Minister will be able to meet the expectations of a population in search of security and dignity.
This moment is therefore not only a turning point for Haut-Katanga, but also a test for the central government. As French historian and anthropologist said Pierre Bourdieu, “the struggles for social recognition must first go through the recognition of struggles”, and the voice of the people must be at the center of political concerns for a peaceful and prosperous future.